Cardinals vs. 49ers: Full Week 9 preview for San Francisco

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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers in overtime 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Another week, and another loss for the San Francisco 49ers, who now sit at 0-8 for the season. Up next is a Week 9 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. Here is the preview with the latest news, X-factors, injuries and much more.

After setting an NFL record by becoming the first team in history to lose five consecutive games by three points or less, a string of blowout losses has compounded the misery of the 49ers in 2017. The defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys was a dreadful one, with Dallas winning 40-10 in Week 7.

But the 33-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8 might be worse, considering the repercussions. After recently losing defensive lineman Arik Armstead, wide receiver Pierre Garçon suffered a season-ending neck injury, safety Jimmie Ward sustained a season-ending forearm injury and offensive lineman Joe Staley will be out multiple weeks with an orbital fracture.

Yet, maybe this loss paved the way for one the biggest acquisitions the 49ers have ever pulled off. It may never be known what exactly prompted the New England Patriots to ship off quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to San Francisco for a 2018 2nd-round pick, or why the 49ers felt now was the right time to complete this transaction, but surely the 0-8 record played in a factor into the decision being made.

The landscape has shifted dramatically for San Francisco, both in the short-term and long-term. There is a sense of competence at the position, something that has been lacking in year’s past. But we might not get a glimpse of that this season, as head coach Kyle Shanahan could not guarantee if Garoppolo would play in 2017 or not.

For now, C.J. Beathard is the starting quarterback and he leads the 49ers this week as they take on the Arizona Cardinals and aim to end the team’s worst ever start to open a season.